But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them under the stalks of flax she had laid out on the roof. (Josh. 2:6)

Relationships are not easy. They are filled with risks and opportunities for individuals to let you down. Once a year, in school, there was a Sadie Hawkins dance. It was the most stressful time of year for me because it required me to take all the risks. I had to approach the guy. I had to ask the guy to go out with me, and I had to wait for his answer. My expectation was always that he would say yes, but I had no guarantees, especially when it was someone I did not know well. The answer could always come back as a no.

Rahab was not obligated to protect the spies. She did not have a relationship with them. It was a risk to hide them from the king of Jericho, and yet she was willing to take it. She kept their location a secret and decided to pursue a relationship with them even though she did not know whether they would reciprocate her efforts.

Being in relationship with God has its risks. At times, we must make the first move even if we aren’t sure God is going to provide the response we desire. The difference is that we can always trust his response is right. The risk is only perceived. Even when he says no, it is good.

Don’t continue to avoid life’s risk; trust your relationship with God.

Tara Klein, a lover of words, shares her imperfect, unconventional Christian journey as a female, mother, and wife to invite others into God’s unconditional love.

© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.